Bradley Edward Delp, born on June 12, 1951, in Peabody, Massachusetts, was an American musician best known as the lead vocalist of the legendary rock band Boston. His distinctive, soaring tenor voice became one of the defining elements of the band’s signature sound, catapulting them to international fame in the 1970s and 1980s.
Boston’s self-titled debut album remains one of the best-selling rock albums in history, featuring iconic hits like “More Than a Feeling,” “Peace of Mind,” and “Foreplay/Long Time.” Delp’s musical career spanned decades, and he was not only a vocalist but also a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and collaborator in several other musical projects. Despite his success, his life ended tragically in March 2007 when he died by suicide, leaving behind a legacy of incredible music and devoted fans.
Bio/wiki Table
Category | Details |
Full Name | Bradley Edward Delp |
Date of Birth | June 12, 1951 |
Place of Birth | Peabody, Massachusetts, USA |
Date of Death | March 9, 2007 |
Place of Death | Atkinson, New Hampshire, USA |
Cause of Death | Suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Singer, musician, songwriter |
Genres | Rock, classic rock, hard rock |
Instruments | Vocals, guitar, keyboards |
Years Active | 1969–2007 |
Notable Bands | Boston, RTZ, Beetlejuice |
Breakthrough Album | Boston (1976) |
Hit Songs | “More Than a Feeling,” “Peace of Mind,” “Amanda,” “Don’t Look Back” |
Record Labels | Epic Records |
Marital Status | Married twice (divorced) |
Children | 2 |
Known For | Lead vocalist of Boston, soaring tenor voice |
Side Projects | RTZ (Return to Zero), Beetlejuice, Delp & Goudreau |
Philanthropy | Supported charities, animal rights activist, vegetarian |
Legacy | Influential rock vocalist, honored through the Brad Delp Foundation |
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Childhood and Influences
Brad Delp grew up in Danvers, Massachusetts, where he was raised by French-Canadian immigrant parents. From a young age, he had an affinity for music, often singing in his church choir and listening to his parents’ collection of records.
Like many aspiring musicians of his generation, Delp was profoundly influenced by The Beatles. Watching them perform on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 was a turning point in his life, inspiring him to pick up the guitar and start learning how to play and sing.
Teenage Years and Musical Aspirations
By the time he was 13 years old, Delp had purchased his first guitar and started experimenting with writing his own music. He spent countless hours practicing and developing his vocal range, which would later become one of the most recognizable voices in rock music.
As he entered high school, Delp joined several local bands, playing in garage rock groups that performed at school events and local venues. Though he started with cover songs, he soon began exploring original compositions, sharpening his songwriting skills and preparing for the next step in his career.
The Formation of Boston

Meeting Tom Scholz
Delp’s big break came in 1969 when he was introduced to Tom Scholz, an MIT-trained engineer and musician who had been working on a unique brand of rock music. Scholz had been experimenting with multi-track recording and creating complex guitar harmonies, but he needed the perfect vocalist to bring his vision to life.
After hearing Delp sing, Scholz immediately knew he had found the voice for his band. The two started working together on demos in Scholz’s home studio, forming a creative partnership that would lead to one of rock’s most successful bands.
The Birth of Boston
In the early 1970s, Delp and Scholz, along with guitarist Barry Goudreau, bassist Fran Sheehan, and drummer Sib Hashian, formed a band called Mother’s Milk. After recording several demo tapes, they caught the attention of Epic Records, which offered them a record deal.
The band was renamed Boston, and in 1976, they released their self-titled debut album. The album became an instant success, selling over 17 million copies in the U.S. alone and producing some of the biggest rock hits of the decade.
Boston’s Rise to Fame
Breakthrough Album: “Boston” (1976)
The band’s debut album, simply titled “Boston”, is regarded as one of the greatest debut albums in rock history. It featured:
- “More Than a Feeling” – One of the most recognizable rock anthems ever recorded, showcasing Delp’s powerful high notes and emotional delivery.
- “Peace of Mind” – A classic track that highlighted the harmonic guitar work of Scholz and Delp’s signature vocal layering.
- “Foreplay/Long Time” – A progressive rock epic that demonstrated Boston’s technical precision and Delp’s ability to switch between soft melodies and soaring choruses.
Continued Success with “Don’t Look Back” (1978)
Following the overwhelming success of their first album, Boston released “Don’t Look Back” in 1978. This album continued their winning formula, with Delp’s vocals once again stealing the show.
Hit songs from the album included:
- “Don’t Look Back” – A high-energy track that became another radio favorite.
- “Feelin’ Satisfied” – A song that showcased Boston’s unique harmonies and melodic rock style.
Though the album was successful, tensions began to rise within the band, particularly between Scholz and the record label, leading to delays in their next album.
Comeback with “Third Stage” (1986)
After an eight-year hiatus, Boston returned with “Third Stage”, featuring the hit single “Amanda”, which became a Billboard No. 1 hit. Delp’s emotive vocals played a crucial role in Boston’s triumphant return to the charts.
Despite the success, internal conflicts and creative differences continued to affect the band, leading to multiple lineup changes over the years.
Side Projects and Collaborations

RTZ (Return to Zero) and Beetlejuice
While continuing his association with Boston, Brad Delp also worked on several side projects:
- RTZ (Return to Zero) – A band he co-founded in 1991 with Barry Goudreau, releasing albums such as Return to Zero and Lost.
- Beetlejuice – A Beatles tribute band, reflecting his lifelong admiration for The Beatles.
Delp’s passion for music beyond Boston demonstrated his versatility as a vocalist and his love for classic rock and pop harmonies.
Personal Life and Tragic Passing

A Kind and Private Person
Brad Delp was known for his humble personality, gentle nature, and dedication to charitable causes. He was also a vegetarian for over 40 years and frequently supported animal rights organizations.
He was married twice and had two children with his second wife, Micki Delp, whom he divorced in 1996.
Struggles with Mental Health and Tragic Death
Despite his musical success, Delp struggled with depression. On March 9, 2007, he tragically died by suicide at his home in Atkinson, New Hampshire, at the age of 55.
A note he left behind described him as “a lonely soul”, revealing the deep inner struggles he faced. His passing was a devastating loss to his family, friends, and fans worldwide.
Legacy and Impact
A Lasting Influence on Rock Music
Brad Delp’s powerful voice remains one of the most celebrated in classic rock history. Songs like “More Than a Feeling” continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans.
Boston’s music remains timeless, frequently played on classic rock radio stations and streaming platforms.
Tributes and Memorials
Following his passing, his former bandmates and fans paid tribute to him through:
- The Brad Delp Foundation, established to support musical education and charitable causes.
- A tribute concert in 2007, featuring past and present members of Boston.
- Numerous cover versions of Boston’s songs by younger artists honoring his legacy.
See Also: Matthew Jay Povich
FAQ’s
1. Who was Brad Delp?
Brad Delp was an American musician best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Boston. His powerful tenor voice helped define Boston’s signature sound, making their debut album one of the best-selling in rock history.
2. When and where was Brad Delp born?
Brad Delp was born on June 12, 1951, in Peabody, Massachusetts, USA.
3. What are some of Boston’s most famous songs featuring Brad Delp?
Some of Boston’s most iconic songs with Brad Delp’s vocals include:
- “More Than a Feeling”
- “Peace of Mind”
- “Foreplay/Long Time”
- “Don’t Look Back”
- “Amanda”
4. What made Brad Delp’s voice so unique?
Brad Delp had a wide vocal range, capable of hitting high, soaring notes with ease. His ability to layer harmonies and deliver smooth, emotional vocals made him one of the most recognizable rock singers of all time.
5. Did Brad Delp play any instruments?
Yes. In addition to being an exceptional vocalist, Delp also played guitar, keyboards, and percussion.
Conclusion
Brad Delp was much more than just a rock singer—he was a musician with an extraordinary voice, a kind spirit, and an enduring influence in the world of rock music. While his life ended tragically, his musical legacy lives on, inspiring new generations of rock fans worldwide.
His voice remains immortal through Boston’s timeless hits, ensuring that his contributions to music will never be forgotten.